Ann Gynecol Obstetr Res | Volume 1, Issue 1 | Review Article | Open Access

The Regulation and Function of T Lymphocyte in Fetomaternal Immunity Tolerance

Lin Y^1,2,3#, Zhang D^1,2,3 and Du M^1,2,3*

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
²Department of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
³Department of Female Reproductive Endocrinology, Shanghai 200011, China

^*Correspondance to: Meirong Du 

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Abstract

During pregnancy, maternal immune system orchestrates the optimal immune modulation to prevent a detrimental response to allogeneic fetal cells while providing immune protection against pathogen invasion. Accumulating evidences and speculations from recent works lead to the view that decidual T cell subsets play crucial roles in both physiological and pathological processes associated with pregnancy. However, the exact characteristics and functions of these T cell subtypes are undefined. Effector T cells are divided into multiple subsets characterized by the presence of specific transcription factor and cytokine production. Some subsets of T cells are thought to protect the placenta from immune rejection and facilitate embryo implantation, while others are considered to be the main culprits for some pathological pregnancies. It is incontrovertible that not a single cell or molecule but rather a network of communication and interaction should be responsible for the successful pregnancy outcome. The antagonism and cooperation among different T cell subsets are beneficial to create a micro-environment toward maternal-fetal tolerance. Disturbance of the microenvironment may lead to pregnancy complications, including spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and congenital infection. This review is focused on different T cells and their interaction with immune-regulatory molecules and endocrine factors in the maintenance of immune tolerance in fetomaternal interface.

Keywords:

T cell subsets; CD4+T cells; CD8+T cells; Treg; Maternal-fetal immunity; Pregnancy

Citation:

Lin Y, Zhang D, Du M. The Regulation and Function of T Lymphocyte in Fetomaternal Immunity Tolerance. Ann Gynecol Obstetr Res. 2018; 1(1): 1001.